Carl Schoenholz serves as Associate Director of Student Ministries at Asbury United Methodist Church. His wife Rachel also is a Madison native. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Carl Schoenholz’ love for Madison resulted from the friendships that he developed here.

“I also enjoy the atmosphere of a growing city. After living in several different cities, it’s hard to find such a close-knit community. There’s a sense in Madison that everyone still knows each other,” Schoenholz said.

“I’m not really sure where my hometown is. We moved around a lot growing up,” Schoenholz said. “I’ve lived in New Jersey, Kentucky, New York, Alabama and North Carolina. Madison is where I lived my later childhood and largely where I consider home now.”

Schoenholz’ first moved to Madison when he was in eighth grade. “I honestly cried when I found out that I was moving. I thought everyone rode horses to school and there was no electricity,” he said. “I was happy to find a friendly suburban culture with plenty of things to do.”

Most recently, Schoenholz lived in the Charlotte, N.C. area. He and wife Rachel moved back to Madison in summer 2015 for his job as Associate Director of Student Ministries at Asbury United Methodist Church.

At Asbury, he will help in planning weekly and special events, like retreats, and teach and counsel students in grades 7-12. “It’s been really neat to come back and serve a youth group I myself grew up in,” Schoenholz said.

After graduating from Bob Jones High School, Schoenholz earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Auburn University.

When eating out, Schoenholz “loves Bento Box. One of my high school friend’s mom owns the restaurant. It’s always cool to see a familiar face. I also love Greenbrier Barbecue and Cricket’s.”

When Schoenholz finds down time, he enjoys playing ultimate Frisbee or disc golf. “I like being active. I also love board games; I’m always trying to find a new one,” he said.